Next Gen Quality Analytics

Back to Basics: Statistical Process Control

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Unlike traditional inspection, which detects defects after production, the modern approach to minimize defects is data driven and proactive monitoring and control of the manufacturing process itself. Enter statistical process control (SPC).

Why Manufacturing Data Collection Matters More Than Ever

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Manufacturing decisions are only as good as the data behind them.

What is Overall Equipment Effectiveness?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Overall Equipment Effectiveness is arguably the #1 key performance indicator on manufacturing floors.

Do You Really Need That New Machine? How Minitab Can Help You Find Out

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In manufacturing, it’s tempting to assume that more machines mean more parts and higher throughput.

How Quality Teams Use Statistical Studies to Support Regulatory and Audit Work

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Quality professionals regularly prepare documentation for regulators, customers, and internal auditors.

Built to Waste? How Outdated Manufacturing Practices Are Costing Us More Than Money

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Twenty percent of every dollar spent in manufacturing is wasted, adding up to $8 trillion annually and contributing to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Real-Time Results: How Minitab Helped a Global Distillery Save $864K a Year

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

When I first spoke with this customer, a global manufacturer producing everything from everyday mixers to top-shelf spirits, they had a clear goal: tighten their filling process to eliminate MAV (Maximum Allowable Variation) violations and reduce overfill waste, without compromising quality.

I Was Drowning in Spreadsheets, Then I Found Prolink

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The following is a fictional story based on real challenges and use cases from quality professionals in manufacturing. While the author is not a real person, his experience reflects what many engineers face—and how Prolink helps solve it.

Putting Analytics in Everyone’s Hands: Quality for Non-Statisticians

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

With clear data tools, operators can leverage insights to improve daily operations and enhance stability.

You Don’t Need More Data. You Need to See It Better

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Spreadsheets can hinder data interpretation. Visual tools can enhance data presentation and help managers assess if team members understand common issues, can track performance trends, and have tools for productive discussions.

7 Ways to Improve Quality in Chemical Manufacturing

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Chemical manufacturers face numerous improvement opportunities, but several general categories apply across the industry. The seven challenges outlined are key quality issues that organizations encounter, regardless of their current quality status.

The Hidden Cost of Quality Problems — and How to Expose It with Analytics

Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

A defect on the production floor may seem minor, but its true cost is often hidden across operations. Manufacturers should quantify the financial impact of quality failures by assigning costs to events.

How Quality Engineers Use Data to Address Root Causes in Manufacturing, Part 2

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Last month, we covered how quality engineers use control charts, capability analysis, and Pareto charts. In Part 2, we'll explore how they link these patterns to their underlying causes.

How Quality Engineers Use Data to Address Root Causes in Manufacturing, Part 1

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Quality engineers help manufacturing teams identify and resolve production issues through data analysis. They use statistical tools to uncover root causes and apply principles from methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

Leadership Lessons from Luc Burgard, COO of Recipharm

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Luc Burgard, a leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing with experience in biotechnology and automotive sectors, highlights the importance of data analytics in strategic decision-making and shares insights on building specialized teams using Minitab.

What Capability Analysis Can Do for Non-Conformances

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Quality assurance professionals in manufacturing know that even a single non-conformance can result in rejected batches or regulatory violations. The Process Capability Index (Cpk) helps teams catch potential issues before they become costly problems.

Time Series Analysis for Better Quality Control

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Time series analysis enables manufacturers to track quality data, revealing patterns, trends, and anomalies to maintain consistent production standards. This method can be applied to daily production output or hourly quality measurements.

Optimizing Quality Control Measures with Minitab's Predictive Analytics

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In the realm of quality control, utilizing predictive analytics through Minitab's tools can transform proactive quality management.

Demonstrating 95/95 Confidence and Reliability

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In the medical device industry, reliability is critical. Manufacturers conduct extensive testing to ensure devices meet required standards, such as 95/95 or 95/99 confidence and reliability, assessed using Minitab Statistical Software.

The 101 on Measurement System Analysis

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In manufacturing, operators, inspectors, engineers, and systems measure characteristics to ensure product quality. This data helps monitor real-time processes, tracking performance indicators like cycle time, throughput, and efficiency.

Getting Real: A Simple Way to Assess Process Capability Without Complex Assumptions

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Process capability measures, such as Cpk and Ppk, measure how well your process is performing relative to your customer’s specifications. Let’s review some capability analysis basics and then delve into another capability estimate.

Explore the Next Generation of Minitab Statistical Software

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The wait is over! Minitab's latest release is here, packed with powerful new features powered by AI. Unleash the power of your data and solve problems faster and easier than ever—with the trusted accuracy Minitab has delivered for over 50 years.

Minitab Exchange is coming to a city near you!

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Join us for a Minitab Exchange as we come together to help you unlock the value of your data to achieve your desired outcomes.

Understanding Reliability Analysis

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Reliability analysis helps manufacturers predict and prevent product failures, improving overall quality and performance through systematic assessment and data-driven improvements.

Understanding Reliability Analysis in Manufacturing

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Reliable products earn customer trust and save manufacturers money. Reliability analysis helps businesses get there. What Exactly is Reliability Analysis?

Pareto Charts in Quality Control: A Snapshot

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Pareto charts provide clarity and direction, helping quality control departments target and resolve key challenges.

Quality Made Easier in the Cloud

Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The cloud is everywhere, and its scope is expanding. It’s an exciting and perfect time to adopt the cloud for all its benefits; improved agility and collaboration, a helpful boost with innovations, accelerated time to value and much more. Did you know you can move your quality initiatives into the cloud too?

From Vision to Reality: How to Implement a Continuous Improvement Program

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Continuous improvement programs are essential for growth and success. However, implementing them requires more than just tools and technology.

From Good to Great: Why Manufacturers Must Monitor Their Continuous Improvement Processes

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Continuous improvement helps manufacturers identify areas of improvement, reduce waste, and boost efficiency. However, it's not enough to simply implement continuous improvement processes.

Minitab Insights Global Conference

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

At Minitab Insights Global Conference, you will connect, learn, and collaborate with peers and industry leaders. With over 35 power sessions, demos, and networking opportunities in the works, there’s no better event to attend! Sign up for one or two of our 9 skill-enhancing pre-conference workshops designed to take your Minitab experience to the next level. Bring dynamic results and techniques back to your organization that you can implement immediately!